Sony’s 1000X M3 headphones have a big problem: cold weather

Sony’s 1000X M3 noise-canceling headphones are a terrific product: they’re comfortable, they deliver pleasing sound, eliminate outside noise, and they charge by USB-C. I don’t feel any regrets for dropping $350 on them. But as we’ve moved into winter, I have come across one significant frustration: these headphones aren’t very good at handling cold weather. A usually superb listening experience can be interrupted — and in some cases, ruined — when the temperature drops and the headphones register touch inputs or volume changes for seemingly no reason.

Instead of physical buttons for volume and track controls, these headphones use tap and swipe gestures on the exterior of the right cup to perform those actions. In recent weeks, I’ve…